Healthcare in Spain — What You Need to Know

Healthcare is one of the biggest concerns for anyone thinking about moving to Spain — especially if you’re retired or over 65. How good is the system? Is it better or worse than the NHS? What happens if you have pre-existing conditions? And what does private health insurance really cost? In this video, I walk you calmly through how healthcare actually works in Spain: • Public healthcare (SNS) explained • Private insurance options for retirees • Visa-ready policies and what “no exclusions” really means • Realistic monthly costs for over-65s • Pre-existing conditions and what changes after your first year • Emergency care standards in Spain vs the UK • Prescription costs and pharmacies • Aftercare — the part people rarely talk about No hype. No scare stories. Just a clear overview so you can plan properly and feel confident about your decision. 🇬🇧 For UK Retirees If you receive a UK State Pension, the S1 route may give you access to Spain’s public healthcare system. If you’re applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa or moving on a different residency route, private insurance is usually required initially. I also explain how many expats sensibly combine public and private cover. 🩺 Need Insurance Quotes? If you’re over 65 or have pre-existing conditions, using a specialist broker is often the safest way to apply. Applying directly to multiple insurers can sometimes make things more difficult — I explain why in the video. If you’re considering moving to Spain, you may also find these helpful: • Can You Afford to Move to Spain? • After 1 Year in Spain — Was It Worth It? • The Real Cost of Moving to Spain • Where NOT to Live on the Costa del Sol If you have questions about age, visa routes, S1 forms, pre-existing conditions or insurance costs, leave them in the comments — I read them all and often make follow-up videos based on what people ask. Subscribe for clear, real-world guidance on moving to Spain. — Mark